12 hrs after release,Krishna back to work

Malkangiri district collector said the incident was 'a life-changing experience'.

Back to work within 12 hours of his return after eight days in Maoist captivity,Malkangiri district collector R Vineel Krishna on Friday said the incident was a life-changing experience that would help increase his sensitivity towards the tough life of improvised tribals living in remote areas.

Krishna,who reached home Thursday night,was ready at his residence early morning to meet people,including a large number of schoolchildren,who had thronged to offer flowers and to congratulate him on his safe return.

I am overwhelmed at the peoples response and support to me when I was in Naxalite captivity. Everybody supported me and my family, he told newsmen.

To a question whether he would like to continue in Malkangiri,he said: We have come here to work for the people. 8230;I would like to carry forward the work which I have been doing for the people in the remote cut-off areas.

Referring to his stay in the forests,Krishna said: There were Maoists from Andhra Pradesh,Orissa and as well as from Chhattisgarh. It was a difficult terrain in a forested area. Certainly,it was very difficult at night. In such a situation,there will be an element of fear.

Asked how and when the Maoists decided to release him,Krishna said: The turning point was the interlocutors appeal through All India Radio and British Broadcasting Corporation BBC for my release,saying that the government had accepted their demands.

He said the rebels were connected with the outside world only through radio. They gave me a radio occasionally,he said.

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Asked if the governments decision to release Maoist leaders to secure his release was a right step,Krishna said: The government always takes decisions in larger public interest.

To a question about reports of his alleged Left leanings during his college days in Andhra Pradesh,he retorted: Who told you all these things? I had never been in politics. I am only service-oriented.

Expressing his gratitude to interlocutors and state government,Krishna said the unprecedented support of the people,particularly tribals,put pressure on the Maoists to release him.

When pointed out that the popular support for him was due to his special focus on schemes for them,Krishna said: The priority of those living in the tough terrain and forests are to get pension,ration cards and such benefits.

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We do not have access for other development initiatives. If there is no bridge across the reservoir,how can the rig be taken there to dig bore-wells to provide safe potable water to the local population?

Referring to the meeting at Tentuliguna where he was released,Krishna said the Maoists spoke at length and later asked him to speak. I spoke about what the administration had done. After the Maoists handed over me to the villagers,the people came and welcomed me. I was wondering why the people were responding like this. I didnt know that there was so much of support.

To another question about his decision to join the IAS after graduating from IIT,Krishna said: I have got the best from the society. My efforts are to do something in return.